Harmeny is proud to have contributed to a research study exploring the complex relationship between care experience, social media, and mental health.
The study, conducted by Dr Autumn Roesch-Marsh (University of Edinburgh) and Dr Karen Cooper (University of the West of Scotland), investigates how social media affects the mental health and wellbeing of care-experienced young people—offering valuable insights into how care-experienced young people engage with online spaces.
The researchers brought their own unique expertise to the study. Dr Roesch-Marsh has long focused on improving the lives of care-experienced individuals in Scotland, while Dr Cooper’s work examines the impact of violence and coercion on vulnerable groups.
Harmeny’s role in the research
As part of our commitment to supporting young people in navigating the digital world safely and confidently, Harmeny welcomed Dr Roesch-Marsh prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. During her visit, several of our staff members took part in focus groups, contributing their experiences and reflections from working in a residential school setting.
These sessions provided key perspectives on how young people interact with social media—highlighting both the risks and the empowering potential of digital platforms.
Key findings
The published research identifies several important themes:
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Supportive roles of professionals in guiding online engagement
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Balancing digital safety and independence for young people
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Social media’s dual impact on mental health and peer relationships
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Need for tailored support to build digital literacy and resilience
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Importance of training for staff to foster healthy online habits.
Navigating the digital world with confidence
At Harmeny, we believe in equipping young people with the tools they need to thrive in all areas of life—including the digital space. We’re proud that our staff could help shape this research and amplify the voices of those working closest with care-experienced young people.
